The in basket: I routinely advise readers that turning left across double yellow lines is legal except where:

There is cross-hatching between the lines.

A line is wider that 18 inches.

There is a raised barrier parallel to or within the lines.

A sign prohibits it.

Then in June, an advisory from PEMCO Insurance indicated that "it's legal to cross a double yellow line if you're turning into an alley, private road, or driveway ...

"For Washington drivers, the rule is spelled out in section 3 of RCW 46.61.130, which specifically notes alleys, private roads, and driveways. The double-yellow line indicates a no-passing zone.”

I gulped and asked my State Patrol contact if I or PEMCO was right.

The out basket: “You are both right,” answered Trooper Chelsea Hodgson of the Bremerton patrol office. “The portion you are referring to comes from RCW 46.61.150 Driving on divided highways. The portion the PEMCO release references is from RCW 46.61.130 No-passing zones. It is illegal to cross physical barriers (as you mentioned, raised curbs, cross-hatching, 18-inch-plus solid lines) and where it is specifically posted not to do so.”

“It is legal to cross a double yellow line in the case of a driver turning left into or from an alley way, driveway or private road (in areas where there are no physical barriers/signs posted.”

She included copies of the relevant RCW sections, but like way too many state laws, they are convoluted to the point of confusion. If you really want to read the wording, all the RCWs are available online.

Have a question for the Road Warrior? Call 360-792-9217 or email tvisb@wavecable.com.